There are cruise tips on most websites across the internet. We have compiled what we believe are the most important ones for you below.

Some good tips are:

• Contact a professional travel agent to book a cruise, they have all the necessary information you need to prepare for your cruise.

• Get official documents in order as recommended, most important is make sure you have travel insurance cover from the day you book your holiday.

• If travelling with friends or family take walkie-talkies so you can keep in contact throughout the cruise. Mobile phones do not work on many cruises.

• As you would expect inside cabins are cheaper than outside or balcony cabins, but always ask what the upgrade costs is as often you can upgrade for very little, sometimes only £10 to £20 between cabin grades.

• Most companies have a gratuity programme, which solves the concern about how much to tip for different services, but do not feel obliged to pay this as you can tip as you wish onboard, so get the pre paid gratuities removed when booking.

• Schedule a cruise in the off season for cheaper prices, transatlantic (reposition cruises) are generally a good way of getting a cheap cruise.

• Meals are included in the price for the cruise, so eat meals onboard not on shore at ports of call. Most ships offer 24/7 dining, so you can eat when you want throughout the holiday.

• Select the second seating for dinner, this gives you more time for activities during the day, early dining generally is around 6pm and can mean a rush before dinner.

• Ask if you will travel through multiple climates and pack for comfort.

• Check on the dress code – is it formal, informal or casual? Informal onboard means business casual, not jeans or shorts and T-shirts when dining in the main restaurants.

• If taking children ensure that you choose a family or child-friendly cruise line.

Click here or a detailed article for First Time Cruisers.